Gregory Zarian (https://www.gregoryzarian.com/) may not be a household name, but chances are you have seen him before. Having done close to 100 commercials, some of Gregory’s commercial credits include brands such as VW, McDonald’s, Twix, Senseo, Time Warner, Kaiser Permanente, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Purina. His film work includes starring roles in the SAG independent feature films: “Reconciliation,” “Nesting,” “Make a Wish and The “Ken” doll in the Barbie spoof “Pushing Plastic.”
Gregory’s recent TV appearances include guest-starring roles on “The Mentalist” (CBS), “Entourage” (HBO), “The Forgotten” (ABC) and “90210” (CW). He’s also had a recurring role on “Days of Our Lives” and a recurring, guest-starring role as fan favorite “Julius” on “General Hospital.” He is also in demand for major department stores such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, JCPenney, and Dillard’s for their fashion events, catalogues, and print ads.
A huge ChopSaver fan, Gregory recently shared some insight into show business and life in general.
DG – You are a successful model and actor based in Los Angeles. If you can, describe a typical day at work.
Gregory – There is no typical day. One day you’re up at 5:00am for a 7:00am call and are on set/ shooting for 18 hours, the next day you’re driving all over town from one audition to another and the next day you’re staring at your iPhone, hoping someone calls or texts. Never a dull moment. All the while, always making sure I am up to game by taking classes, going to the gym and perfecting my craft.
DG – Did you always want to be in show business?
Gregory – I think somewhere inside, I always knew it would be a good fit.
DG – How important is schooling or is it more about talent and knowing the right people?
Gregory – All of it’s important. Going to school, taking class, networking, creating and maintaining strong relationships and, for me, being a gentleman is most important.
DG – What kind of support network do you need to do what you? Family? Agent? Coaches?
Gregory – All of the above. And, most importantly…God…Amen.
DG – You and your brother, Lawrence, often appear together giving grooming advice and doing “makeovers” for people. What is the #1 mistake most people make when it comes to choosing clothes?
Gregory – In my opinion, there’s more than one. A few being…wrong size, wrong style/ trend and if someone is not comfortable in what they are wearing, they are a walking apology. Lastly, less is always more.
DG – Who are your role models in your industry?
Gregory – My role models are people that don’t give up.
DG – Your appearance is obviously important but what do you do to stay in shape both mentally and physically?
Gregory – Mentally, I do all that I can to get out of my head; for it is a circus in there and sometimes I just want to be at the beach. I do my best to stay in the quiet and I talk to God all the time. Physically, I work out four times a week and am an avid spinner.
DG – Thanks, Gregory. Great advice, no matter what your career!